The News Tribune Thursday/May 31, 2001/Tacoma, WA By Ernest A. Jasmin - THE NEWS TRIBUNE MUSIC: Rock singer Vicci Martinez takes top honors over 4,000 in state competition Teen rocker Vicci Martinez didn’t think she had a chance. As a result, she nearly didn’t enter “Believe,” the Washington State High School Talent Competition sponsored by Troy E, Wright Entertainment. “ I just didn’t really think that I had a chance, because a lot of people (competing) were doing a lot of R&B and they have really powerful voices,” she said. “There weren’t a lot of people like me.” But Saturday at Seattle’s King Cat Theater, Martinez managed to beat out 23 other finalists - selected from more than 4,000 participants statewide - and take first prize. Her winnings included $1,000, a two-song demo disc and the chance to sing the national anthem at both a Seattle Mariners and a Seattle Seahawks game. The latter would represent a pretty big jump from what she’s used to, palying at Tacoma venues such as Shakabrah Java and The Harmon. “I’ve played before about 1,500 at school, but you know just about everyone there,” she said. Troy E. Wright, the contest organizer, thinks she’ll do just fine. “She seems like she’s been there before,” said Wright, a former vice president of the Jimi Hendrix estate. “She’s one of the few that I’ve seen as a child, at 16 who has that charisma.” Martinez, a student at Stadium High School, impressed scouts for three labels - Interscope, Motown, and Epic-who were present at Saturday’s finals, Wright said. Nate Sellen of Lincoln High School was the only other Tacoma participant to make the finals. The Tacoma School District was the only Washington school district that did not participate in what he hopes will become an annual competition, Wright said. Martinez heard about the contest at a community center. Martinez hopes to do just as well tonight at The Drake, 834 Pacific Ave. S. in Tacoma, where she’s one of the semifinalists in “Battle of the Girl Bands.” The competition begins at 9 p.m. Martinez is scheduled to play at 11 with her new band: Eric Burghard on bass; Israel “Izzy” Hickey on guitar; and Christal Taylor on cello and backup vocals. The other groups have a distinct advantage since crowd reaction is one of the categories acts are judged on. At 16, Martinez doesn’t have many friends who can get in, let alone clap and shout between songs. “A lot of those people bring their friends or their following to wherever they play,” Martinez said. “I try to get as many people as I can who are 21.” Staff writer Ernest Jasmine covers pop culture. Reach him at 253-274-7389 or ernest.jasmin@mail.tribnet.com BACK TO PREVIOUS PAGE